Not all home improvement projects are created equal. While it may sound like a great idea to do a complete kitchen renovation with all the fixings, you want to be sure to tackle projects in your home that are likely to be worth your time and money. Whether you’re looking for bigger projects to give your home a brand new feel or smaller projects that won’t break the bank, here are some options to give your home to upgrades you deserve.
5 Projects to Give Your Home a New Feel that are Worth It
#1 Minor Bathroom Remodel
The two rooms that sell a house are the bathroom and the kitchen, so those are always safe places to put in work. A total bathroom demolition can be a lot to tackle, but a few small improvements can boost your bathroom appearance. A small project that can make a huge difference for buyers is a showerhead, which can cost anywhere from $75-250 with installation[1]. Or, maybe you want to tackle more and replace your bathroom vanities, which on average cost $380-$700[2]. On average, a minor bathroom remodels costs $10,500, but the average return is $10,700; that’s a 102% return on investment, which includes tub, tile, sink, light fixtures, floor, toilet, and vanity.[3] There’s an opportunity to save even more money if you try to do minor projects, but know when you might need to call in a professional.
#2 Minor Kitchen Remodel
Many believe the kitchen is the home’s heart; it’s where food is prepared and lifelong memories are made. If your kitchen already has good bones and just needs a few upgrades, this could be the right project for you. On average, a minor kitchen remodel can come in anywhere from $12,000 to $21,000[4], with a recoup of anywhere between 71.2%[5] to 98.5%[6] of your investment. This type of remodel includes refacing cabinets and drawers, a wall oven, range, fixtures, and the sink.[7] This is easily made more manageable by spreading projects out to your advantage. Looking for a low barrier to entry project that won’t break the bank? Sand your current cabinets down and give them a fresh coat of paint! Looking for a fun project that really could give your kitchen a “pop”? Try updating or adding a fun backsplash. Adding a tile backsplash, on average, costs $1,000-$2,500.[8] When choosing the kitchen upgrades that feel right for you, make sure to also think of evergreen design trends; you can always bring in pops of style with the décor!
#3 Landscaping
The exterior of your home is the first thing you or a potential buyer sees and helps to form first impressions. So, it might not be surprising that upgrading your landscaping is a 100% return on investment![9] Many projects can help your curb appeal. Think your sod needs a little refreshing? Look into sod replacement for $1,000 to $3,000, depending on the size of your yard and the type of desired sod.[10] If you’re looking to add the feel of privacy, maybe think about adding some bushes or shrubs. You can look to pay $25 to $50 per shrub.[11] Remember, when picking landscaping updates, choose easy-to-maintain projects.
#4 Attic Bedroom Conversion
Now this project can only happen if you have usable attic space to convert, but adding more livable space is always a way to up your resale value. Think of it like this, your once three-bed, two-bath home turns into a four-bed, three-bath home with space you already have! While this project is more pricey, with an average cost of $39,200, the average return is $36,700, which is 93.5% ROI.[12] That cost does include a bedroom area, full bathroom, closet, and dormer. Now this project will more than likely require professional help, especially in the HVAC, plumbing, and electrical department. You will need to add insulation within the space to help with heating and cooling costs. On average, insulating the area will cost $800-$3,500.[13] With DIY-friendly options like spray foam insulation, this is another project you can tackle yourself. Just make sure to weigh all your options and your budget due to the many factors of handling insulation.
#5 Resurfacing/Adding Hardwood Floors
While carpets used to be all the rage, hardwood floors are definitely what homebuyers look for in homes nowadays. Maybe you already have hardwood in your common areas and want to carry it throughout, or perhaps you already have hardwoods throughout but need a minor update. Well, refinishing or installing new hardwoods in your home, see a 70% to 80% return on investment.[14] Updating or installing hardwoods can be anywhere from $600 to $4,000.[15] With the many options that come with hardwoods, you can give your home a new feel with your choices! This is another project you can DIY or get professional help with, so make the best decision for your budget and timeline.
Speed Round: 4 Quick Budget-Friendly Projects Anyone Can Do
#1 Update Your Home with a Fresh Coat of Paint
This project is helpful if you want to list your house soon. A fresh coat of paint can update the look and feel of your home’s interior. Here’s a tip if you’re looking into choosing an accent wall for your home: if you prefer a dark blue accent wall, think about using that same blue toned down by 3 or 4 shades to create a balanced and cohesive look.
#2 The Small Details
Take a walk around your home and look around at the small details. Do your cabinet pulls or door knobs need to be replaced? Look into timeless metallic accents to catch the eye. Could your outlet or vent covers be updated? Little details do make a difference and always offer a good starting place for a homeowner that’s new to home improvement projects.
#3 Entry Door Replacement
Like landscaping, your entry door is one of the first things people notice about your home and is also a factor in your home’s curb appeal. Drive around your neighborhood to look for inspiration and get the vibe of what others may be doing. Are you looking to add a pop of color front and center? A fresh coat of paint on your door could give you that!
#4 Light Fixtures
If you want to update your home light fixtures, you must consider these two things when choosing your fixtures. The first is functionality, sure, that chandelier might look gorgeous in your dining room, but does it provide enough light as the primary light source for that space? The second is to think realistically, of course, those Edison bulb fixtures would look great over your kitchen island; but would they be the right choice for your living room?
How can Carolinas Telco Federal Credit Union help?
Want to look into the more significant home improvement projects we mentioned? Maybe you’re even in the market for a complete redo. In that case, CTFCU can help you obtain a home equity line of credit (HELOC) to assist with those updates. A HELOC is the difference between your home’s appraised value and the outstanding balance of all liens owed against the property. The available funds in your HELOC can be accessed when you need them instead of being taken in a single lump-sum loan.
Visit our HELOC page to learn more: How to Apply for a HELOC (Home Equity)| Carolinas Telco FCU (ctelco.org)
[1] Cost to Install or Replace a Showerhead | HomeServe USA
[2] 2022 Bathroom Remodel Cost Calculator | Modernize
[3] The 10 Best ROI Home Improvement Projects | FortuneBuilders
[4] 2022 Kitchen Remodel Cost Estimator | Average Kitchen Renovation Cost (homeguide.com)
[5] Best Renovations For Adding Value To Your Home | Bankrate
[6] Top 15 Home Updates That Pay Off | HGTV
[7] The 10 Best ROI Home Improvement Projects | FortuneBuilders
[8] 2022 Kitchen Remodel Cost Breakdown: Recommended Budgets, ROI, and more! (remodelingcosts.org)
[9] Top 15 Home Updates That Pay Off | HGTV
[10] Cost Of Landscaping: Average Prices And Cost Per Square Foot – Forbes Advisor
[11] Landscaping Installation Costs and Price Listing (homeadvisor.com)
[12] The 10 Best ROI Home Improvement Projects | FortuneBuilders
[13] 2022 Cost to Finish an Attic | Remodeling & Renovation Price Estimates (thumbtack.com)
[14] How Much Does It Cost to Refinish Hardwood Floors? (2022) – Bob Vila
[15] How Much Does It Cost to Refinish Hardwood Floors? (2022) – Bob Vila